Butler County, KS
Butler County has been a rich cattle grazing land since the 1860s. As early as 1857, the first pioneers looked down on the beautiful Walnut River valley and decided to make it home. At the center of the Flint Hills, the area has changed little since Captain Zebulon Pike noted the hills covered with flint rock cobbles during his 1806 expedition across Kansas. The Name "Flint Hills" had identified the region ever since.Since the beginning a lore of cowboys, cattle drives, and western style living has entertained and amazed the area traveler. The first cattle drives began in Texas during 1865 when animals were driven to Kansas railroads through the Flint Hills. By 1885 the wild Texas cattle drives were over and 5 million cattle had passed through the Hills on their journey to eastern markets. The era of custom grazing of out-of-state cattle began, and today over 1 million head of cattle are fattened annually on the lush pasture land.
The peaceful tranquility of the region changed forever when oil was discovered near El Dorado in 1915.
Cattle grazing and bottom land farming gave way to the mixed economy of beef and black gold.
Several area driving tours are available for the interest of the photographer, bird watcher, fossil hunter, antique lover, fisherman or amateur historian. So treat yourself to one of the best kept secret in the land - Butler County, where rich history, breathtaking scenery, and adventure abound.
Explore Butler County
Douglass Community Building
The building listed on the National Register of Historic Places was constructed in 1938 of native stone for the WPA (Works Projects Administration)
Douglass, KS Historic BuildingsCarnegie Library Building
El Dorado's first library was built in 1912 from locally quarried hand-cut, native white limestone. Topped with the Spanish tiled roof, the library was funded in part by Andrew Carnegie. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
El Dorado, KS Carnegie LibrariesCity Parks
Library Park - Adjacent to the Library on Highland Street, Library Park has a Gazebo, covered shelter, and playground equipment. South City Park
Towanda, KS RecreationEl Dorado Broncos
The El Dorado Broncos are the summer collegiate baseball team in El Dorado. The team plays a 50-plus game schedule during June, July and August. They play all of their home games at McDonald Stadium in El Dorado. The team moved to El Dorado in 1996
El Dorado, KS RecreationEl Dorado State Park and Lake
Where Special Events Happen El Dorado Lake is located just north and east of the City of El Dorado at the edge of the scenic Flint Hills. The lake has approximately 8,000 surface acres of water with 98 miles of shoreline. There are approximately 6,000
El Dorado, KS State ParksPost Office Mural
The U.S. Treasury Department commissioned the oil mural, "Kansas Gusher" by Donald Silks which has been placed on the National Register
Augusta, KS ArtsOld Frisco Wooden Water Tower
Built in 1885 for Frisco Railroad steam engines in Beaumont, the water tower provided water for the railroad roundhouse and cattle shipping operation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is the oldest wooden water tower still operating in America.
Beaumont, KS Railroad HistoryButler County History Center HomeKansas Oil Museum
The Butler County Historical Society portrays our county's unique history. The museum consists of an indoor exhibit building and nine acres of outdoor exhibits. The outdoor exhibits are divided into two areas: Oil field equipment and the K.T. Wiedemann Living History Park. More than 20
El Dorado, KS MuseumsSanta Fe Lake
Get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this 200-acre lake.
Augusta, KS Lakes